I hope you take the time to be with family and friends during this holiday weekend to celebrate the tremendous freedoms our forefathers have secured for their heritage. Freedom has never been free. We will have it so long as we are willing to fight for our security. Ironically, as quick as liberals are to point to the global nature of our world and express their willingness to submit to the whims of a world body politic, they are incredibly slow minded in seeing our national defense strategies as being equally global in nature.
In an unstable world, the best strategy is to promote freedom around the globe. As tyranny is defeated and freedom comes to a people, stability is the byproduct. In time, those countries join the world market and prosper. Our country is often seen by the far left as being "imperialistic" when nothing could be further from the truth.
If the United States was "imperialistic", the Stars and Stripes would be flying over Germany and Japan. We would have extracted our pound of flesh from those whose countries we liberated from the iron boot and the rising sun. If we were an imperialistic people, our flag would be waving over the entire Korean Peninsula, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Cuba, Mexico, and the list goes on and on...
Instead, we pay with our own blood the purchase price of freedom for those in bondage. We pay with our own treasure to rebuild that which we destroyed through the war that secured freedom for the very people who sought to destroy us as a nation. We then continue to offer security for those same people that they may prosper while resting in the shadow of the eagle.
The principle export of our nation is Freedom. It is the enduring, eternal flame that burns in the hearts of every human born on the face of the earth. It has been trampled by tyrants and villains, yet it rises from the ashes and strikes at the heart of the wicked.
As you celebrate our Independence Day in this great country, remember those who will be on patrol this hour securing your liberties. Remember those who have shed blood in defense of this nation. Bring to mind those families who have sacrificed their loved ones on the alter of freedom, and talk to your young ones about the responsibilities of liberty.
The erosion of freedom is not from those who strive to protect it; rather, it is from those who diminish the worthiness of the fight, and encourage others to do likewise.
May God's Blessing continue to rest upon the "land of the free, and the home of the brave!"
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Weekly Report
Police Department
- Officers issued a citation to the owner of a pit bull terrier who had been left in a vehicle in the Wal-Mart parking lot during one of the hot days earlier in the week.
- Last Friday, our police assisted the Sheriff's Office in executing two search warrants which were performed in conjunction with search warrants served by members of the DEA earlier. The final warrants were served on 705 Clarke Avenue and 602 Laurel Street. Cash, drugs, and drug paraphernalia were seized.
- Clarence Jackson Jr. was arrested on an outstanding warrant and turned over the the Sheriff's Office.
- Animal Control and our officers investigated a report that a juvenile was bitten by a pit bull terrier on the sidewalk in front of 402 Fifth Street. The investigation continues and the Health Department is also involved.
- Our K-9 Drug unit assisted the State Police on a traffic stop on Rt. 13. The K-9 scanned the stopped vehicle and alerted to the presence of drugs. A subsequent search uncovered two bags of marijuana. The New York driver was arrested by MSP.
- Donnease Sturgis was charged with Trespassing at Wal-Mart.
Fire Company
- The volunteers burned down the abandoned house at Clarke Avenue and Oak Street as part of a training exercise.
Main Street Coordinator
- Our application to become a designated Main Street Community has been submitted to the State.
City Docks
- Two boaters were warned against performing work on their boats which spilled over onto the dock.
- Two boats have been removed from the dock by the owners at the city's request.
Public Works
- Crews focused on the Cypress Festival. Bathrooms were painted and coordinated work was done with the Chamber in preparation for the amusements.
- Weed killer was applied to city sidewalks.
Golf Course
- Pesticides have been applied to the tee boxes.
- A used roller was picked up this week for use at the course.
Upcoming Events:
- MARVA Performing Arts Theater will play host to a traveling New York Theater Group who will present "Driving Miss Daisy" on Friday and Saturday nights (20th &21st)
- The Costen House will hold an art show at the Cypress Park near the flag pole on Saturday afternoon (21st)
- Next weekend, the fairgrounds will be hosting "Jeeps on the shore" for the weekend.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Golf Camps This Summer
In recent months, I met with officials of the Lower Shore Family YMCA to discuss the potential for partnerships between the YMCA and Pocomoke City. Director Gary White, Board President Vernon Redden, and the full Board seemed eager to work with the city to provide an extension of recreational opportunities for area residents.
It was agreed that we would focus on two project for the upcoming year. The first to the reestablishment of Summer Golf Camps at the Winter Quarters Golf Course. In past years, this was a very successful program which continued on for decades. Most recently headed by Councilman Robert Hawkins, the program fell into decline due to a lack of adult support staff able to assist Mr. Hawkins.
Last night at the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council, Director White provided the city with a proposed budget for to operate the golf program for ten weeks this summer. The cost was nominal at $1522.00 and I believe this will be fully funded by the city. The first camp would begin the week of June 16th. This promises to be a great opportunity for those wishing to expose a young person to the sport or to provide aspiring young players a chance to improve their skill level. I love the idea of this type of partnering in our community.
The second program would involve the city working with the YMCA to provide funding for transportation costs to allow more underprivileged kids a chance to benefit from after school sports and recreational/learning classes being offered. Currently, students who participate can ride to the YMCA direct from their respective schools following the conclusion of the school day. The problem comes in when some parents do not have transportation to bring their child home. There is currently no provision for getting the kids home following the program, thus parents must pick the kids up at the YMCA. I have suggested that the city would pick up the tab for the return transportation costs for kids living in the city. This would be a means of creating further opportunities for some of the more vulnerable in our community. The budget for this has not been established as of yesterday.
These are just two of the ideas that have been floated around in my meetings with the YMCA staff and Board of Directors. I wish to thank them for meeting with me and being willing to think outside the box on creative ways to provide greater experiences and opportunities for our young people in Pocomoke City.
It was agreed that we would focus on two project for the upcoming year. The first to the reestablishment of Summer Golf Camps at the Winter Quarters Golf Course. In past years, this was a very successful program which continued on for decades. Most recently headed by Councilman Robert Hawkins, the program fell into decline due to a lack of adult support staff able to assist Mr. Hawkins.
Last night at the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council, Director White provided the city with a proposed budget for to operate the golf program for ten weeks this summer. The cost was nominal at $1522.00 and I believe this will be fully funded by the city. The first camp would begin the week of June 16th. This promises to be a great opportunity for those wishing to expose a young person to the sport or to provide aspiring young players a chance to improve their skill level. I love the idea of this type of partnering in our community.
The second program would involve the city working with the YMCA to provide funding for transportation costs to allow more underprivileged kids a chance to benefit from after school sports and recreational/learning classes being offered. Currently, students who participate can ride to the YMCA direct from their respective schools following the conclusion of the school day. The problem comes in when some parents do not have transportation to bring their child home. There is currently no provision for getting the kids home following the program, thus parents must pick the kids up at the YMCA. I have suggested that the city would pick up the tab for the return transportation costs for kids living in the city. This would be a means of creating further opportunities for some of the more vulnerable in our community. The budget for this has not been established as of yesterday.
These are just two of the ideas that have been floated around in my meetings with the YMCA staff and Board of Directors. I wish to thank them for meeting with me and being willing to think outside the box on creative ways to provide greater experiences and opportunities for our young people in Pocomoke City.
Skate/Bike Park Opens This Week
During my first campaign for the Office of Mayor (2005), I met many young people in my travels around the city who clamored for a place where they could practice their sport of Skateboarding or BMX style Biking. I pledged to make this a reality as I believe that our city is more family friendly when we provide accessible recreational opportunities for our young people.
This week, a professionally designed and built Skate/Bike Park will open as part of the Cypress Park Recreational Complex. American Ramp Company is known throughout the United States for providing well designed parks and equipment that will stand the test of time. Pocomoke City will be only the second municipality on the shore to provide this recreational experience for our citizens (Ocean City being the other, however they do not allow bikes).
Registration will be required by those wishing to utilize the facility. The forms will be available at City Hall (downtown on Clarke Avenue) along with a complete list of the rules governing the park. Full safety equipment is required. City residents will pay no fees while those residing outside of the city will pay $25.00 at the time of registration.
The park is monitored 24/7 by police surveillance cameras which will focus on the Skate/Bike Park and Police Officers will monitor riders and conduct spot checks in the park to insure compliance with all rules and registration.
I encourage parents to take the time to come to the park and participate by observing the tricks and stunts performed by their own kids as well as others. Policing the park largely rests on the shoulders of those who use the facility. I ask for all who care about recreational opportunities in Pocomoke City to notify police of any potential problems before they get out of hand and to report any damage they may observe to the city.
This great facility represents a $65,000.00 investment in recreational opportunity by Pocomoke City. May it provide hours of entertainment for years to come.
This week, a professionally designed and built Skate/Bike Park will open as part of the Cypress Park Recreational Complex. American Ramp Company is known throughout the United States for providing well designed parks and equipment that will stand the test of time. Pocomoke City will be only the second municipality on the shore to provide this recreational experience for our citizens (Ocean City being the other, however they do not allow bikes).
Registration will be required by those wishing to utilize the facility. The forms will be available at City Hall (downtown on Clarke Avenue) along with a complete list of the rules governing the park. Full safety equipment is required. City residents will pay no fees while those residing outside of the city will pay $25.00 at the time of registration.
The park is monitored 24/7 by police surveillance cameras which will focus on the Skate/Bike Park and Police Officers will monitor riders and conduct spot checks in the park to insure compliance with all rules and registration.
I encourage parents to take the time to come to the park and participate by observing the tricks and stunts performed by their own kids as well as others. Policing the park largely rests on the shoulders of those who use the facility. I ask for all who care about recreational opportunities in Pocomoke City to notify police of any potential problems before they get out of hand and to report any damage they may observe to the city.
This great facility represents a $65,000.00 investment in recreational opportunity by Pocomoke City. May it provide hours of entertainment for years to come.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Weekly Report
Police Department
- A guest at the Pocomoke Inn Motel reported that some items had been removed from his unlocked motor vehicle.
- Leroy Crippen of Young Street was arrested following his transport to McCready Hospital for a leg injury. He was wanted by the Maryland State Police on two outstanding warrants.
- While shopping at Pocomoke Market Place, Grace Dennis reported that someone removed a pocket bookf from her unlocked vehicle. The purse was later recovered by police at the Dollar General Store with money missing.
- Following a parking lot scan by law enforcement at the Green Turtle Restaurant, Cleveland Jones Jr. of Exmore and Presten Satchell of Tasley were arrested for possessing a handgun in a motor vehicle unlawfully.
- Police reported graffiti located at the rail siding and dock area behind Benelli's on Broad Street.
- Charles Bailey, 50, of 210 Linden Avenue was charged with theft at the Dollar General Store.
- H&H Furniture reported the theft of a vehicle tag from one of their service vehicles located near the store.
- Elvis Northam was charged with theft at the Wal-Mart Store.
Public Works
- Weeding and mulching occupied some crews in the downtown area.
- The Street Sweeper has been in heavy use in the past week around the city.
- Crews conducted an emergency sewer tap at Tenth and Laurel Streets.
- Crews painted benches downtown
- Crews moved voting machines to the polling place and returned them to storage.
Golf Course
- Crews trimmed many low branches near greens and cart paths.
- Crews continue to fertilize fairways and T-Boxes.
- Crews pressurized the irrigation system for the coming season.
EMS Department
- Director Tilghman met with membership of the Pocomoke Vol. Fire Company at their regular meeting where he introduced himself and talked about further cooperation between the two agencies. Several Firefighters have offered to serve as backup volunteers or as part-time paid staff for our Second Duty Crews.
- Orientation of new crew members was conducted by Director Tilghman.
Other News
- City Discount Pharmacy is expanding to a second location near the corner of Cedar and Tenth Streets.
- Several new building permits have been issued for Woodland Acres subdivision located across from Pocomoke High School.
- The City has been selected to receive an Award for Excellence from the Maryland Municipal League at their annual meeting in Ocean City this June.
- I will be attending a meeting of the Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday the 8th to discuss our budget/grant requests from Worcester County for the coming fiscal year.
- I have been asked to be the Master of Ceremonies for the Worcester County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council's annual banquet being held on April 18th in Ocean City. The county takes this opportunity to recognize excellence in the field of prevention and apprehension as it relates to drugs and alcohol. This is the fourth year I have MC'd the event, and it is truly an honor to do so.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Republican Women and Liberty
This past week, I was delighted to speak at the meetings of the Delmarva Women's Republican Club and the Worcester County Republican Women's Club. It was an honor to speak to these dedicated ladies (and a few of their husbands) about Pocomoke City, Worcester County, and politics in general across this great state.
The meetings bring to mind the importance of being informed and involved in our respective communities. Those on the eastern shore share many concerns which traverse jurisdictional boundaries and party lines. I spoke about freedom and liberty as it relates to our traditional Constitutional Republican form of government, and how they lead to greater wealth, opportunity, education, and ultimate prosperity when they are our focus.
I spoke about individual responsibility and the power of individual freedom. Government was never intended by the Founding Fathers to provide the entitlements we have come to rely upon as a people. Quite the contrary, our government was established to provide protection so we could endeavor to seek, "...life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" all the days of our lives.
As a people, we were never meant to become dependants of our government. When we stray from those founding principles, we must pay the price with our liberty. Taxes are how government pays the price demanded by her constituents. In the past 100 years, over 100 new taxes have been added. The average citizen paying taxes will, overall, pay half of their income in taxes to the government. It is a recipe for bondage and further dependence.
It is good to raise these issues and to consider the principles for governing laid out in our founding documents. It is good to remember why we sought to throw off the former government of the British Crown in order to "adopt new guardians" for our future. Those principles have not changed, but we have compromised our liberty, and our future prosperity is in jeopardy if we continue on this course.
The meetings bring to mind the importance of being informed and involved in our respective communities. Those on the eastern shore share many concerns which traverse jurisdictional boundaries and party lines. I spoke about freedom and liberty as it relates to our traditional Constitutional Republican form of government, and how they lead to greater wealth, opportunity, education, and ultimate prosperity when they are our focus.
I spoke about individual responsibility and the power of individual freedom. Government was never intended by the Founding Fathers to provide the entitlements we have come to rely upon as a people. Quite the contrary, our government was established to provide protection so we could endeavor to seek, "...life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" all the days of our lives.
As a people, we were never meant to become dependants of our government. When we stray from those founding principles, we must pay the price with our liberty. Taxes are how government pays the price demanded by her constituents. In the past 100 years, over 100 new taxes have been added. The average citizen paying taxes will, overall, pay half of their income in taxes to the government. It is a recipe for bondage and further dependence.
It is good to raise these issues and to consider the principles for governing laid out in our founding documents. It is good to remember why we sought to throw off the former government of the British Crown in order to "adopt new guardians" for our future. Those principles have not changed, but we have compromised our liberty, and our future prosperity is in jeopardy if we continue on this course.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter Activities
Good Friday Service
The community service for Good Friday was held by the Pocomoke Ministerial Association at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. Many of the local ministers participated in the event by taking a small part in a combined sermon text on "the last words of Jesus". There was a nice turnout from many of the local congregations and a great start to a busy, yet reflective weekend.
American Legion
I had a busy weekend around the city. Saturday began with a celebration at the American Legion. I had a great time interacting with the many kids that were on hand to meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy a variety of planned activities. For my part, I had the opportunity to read the story of Peter Rabbit to the young ones.
While at the Legion, I also had a chance to sample a great breakfast and to meet with several members of the Flat Land Rescue Team. These are a devoted group that enjoy conducting professional search/rescue operations when requested. I have worked with them professionally in the past as great to see some of them at the event.
Cypress Park Easter Egg Extravaganza
The Pocomoke Police Department also conducted a grand Easter Egg Hunt along with a cook out in Cypress Park from noon until 2:00pm. There was a huge turnout that was very reflective of our city. Many came for the first time, but it surely will not be their last! Six bikes were given away and many other large prize baskets were given to those who found an egg with a special symbol. Along with many members of the police department was Chief J.D. Ervin, Councilman Robert Hawkins, Councilman Honiss Cane, Councilman Bruce Morrison and his wife Laura.
Also helping out was Reverend George Tasker and his son-in-law Frank. They provided the grilling of the burgers, while Councilman Hawkins handled the French Fries. My wife, Laura, joined me in following after the hundreds of children who came to enjoy the festivities. Channel 47 came by and took some great footage of the kids. It was great weather and a great time had by all!
Glad Tidings Assembly Service
Sunday morning, we enjoyed the service at Glad Tidings and had a chance to meet the pastor of a new Spanish speaking church which will be meeting at Glad Tidings on a regular basis. This has been a work in progress for Pastor Bob Blevins, and I am glad to see things are progressing along. It was a way to conclude Holy Week.
The community service for Good Friday was held by the Pocomoke Ministerial Association at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. Many of the local ministers participated in the event by taking a small part in a combined sermon text on "the last words of Jesus". There was a nice turnout from many of the local congregations and a great start to a busy, yet reflective weekend.
American Legion
I had a busy weekend around the city. Saturday began with a celebration at the American Legion. I had a great time interacting with the many kids that were on hand to meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy a variety of planned activities. For my part, I had the opportunity to read the story of Peter Rabbit to the young ones.
While at the Legion, I also had a chance to sample a great breakfast and to meet with several members of the Flat Land Rescue Team. These are a devoted group that enjoy conducting professional search/rescue operations when requested. I have worked with them professionally in the past as great to see some of them at the event.
Cypress Park Easter Egg Extravaganza
The Pocomoke Police Department also conducted a grand Easter Egg Hunt along with a cook out in Cypress Park from noon until 2:00pm. There was a huge turnout that was very reflective of our city. Many came for the first time, but it surely will not be their last! Six bikes were given away and many other large prize baskets were given to those who found an egg with a special symbol. Along with many members of the police department was Chief J.D. Ervin, Councilman Robert Hawkins, Councilman Honiss Cane, Councilman Bruce Morrison and his wife Laura.
Also helping out was Reverend George Tasker and his son-in-law Frank. They provided the grilling of the burgers, while Councilman Hawkins handled the French Fries. My wife, Laura, joined me in following after the hundreds of children who came to enjoy the festivities. Channel 47 came by and took some great footage of the kids. It was great weather and a great time had by all!
Glad Tidings Assembly Service
Sunday morning, we enjoyed the service at Glad Tidings and had a chance to meet the pastor of a new Spanish speaking church which will be meeting at Glad Tidings on a regular basis. This has been a work in progress for Pastor Bob Blevins, and I am glad to see things are progressing along. It was a way to conclude Holy Week.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)